A/N~~** I completely lost track of time with this story. It should've been finished so many months ago. I started writing a one shot to go next and realized I hadn't finished this one lol I'm nearly done with that and it should be up in a few days to make up for the delay. Sorry! But this one was a little tricky for me, remembering what having a baby was like after yeeeaaarrrss lol Then adapting it to Richonne in the joyful circumstance that we were robbed of on the show. I hope I did well, please let me know your thoughts.

A note if you've read the past stories in this series there has been a small change. Stephanie is now Max lol I had to adjust from that pointless storyline in the show. All I'm saying is Max deserved better and I'm giving it to her here with Tyreese.

Thank you as usual to all my readers, old and new! I appreciate you sticking with me and all the favs, follows, and reviews. I honestly didn't think anyone would read, let alone enjoy my work when I first started. *Muah*

Its Time

"This is amazing." Connie stared at the art depiction on the nursery wall.

"One of your students drew then painted this?" Sasha asked as she examined the detail.

"Rick kept finding the craziest reasons to get me out of the house. I couldn't understand what type of paint he, Shane and Morgan used that first day that it still smelled fresh days later."

"Well, I hope you gave her an A+." Connie smirked making them all laugh.

"Luckily, Iris earned her grade so I didn't have to fudge anything." Michonne grinned as she signed back to her cousin.

Her cousins were upstairs in the nursery for a tour while everyone else was downstairs enjoying the impromptu couple's night. It was originally meant to be a double date night with Tyreese bringing Max to get to know them better, but once Sasha heard her brother was coming to visit, she decided she and Abraham should come too. Connie found out and invited herself and Daryl before it snowballed into a full-fledged potluck dinner party. Michonne was excited, it would help get her mind off the baby not coming yet and the possibility of surgery.

"I don't think you two will need to buy anything for the baby for months." Nora grinned.

The selection of gifts they received was extensive. Rick and Michonne had doubles of some large items they had exchanged for store credit since people wisely included gift receipts with everything. Two strollers, a beautiful wooden crib, high chairs, a swing, car seats and carriers kept them from having to shop. There were so much clothes, bibs and receiving blankets in all assortments of colors and designs to choose from.

Michonne chuckled impishly while rubbing her belly in continuous circles. "I couldn't stop myself from ordering some unisex outfits I saw. They were so cute." her cousins snickered at their normally measured cousin.

"But, I got them in larger sizes for when the baby grows. Every time a new package arrives Rick just smirks or chuckles through a sigh then stores it all in one of the guestrooms. But, I plan on keeping as much as I can for the next baby so it makes sense."

She shrugged nonchalantly but the raised yet delighted eyebrows caught her attention. "What?"

"Babies back to back?" Nora's eyes widened.

"Irish twins?" Sasha added with an astonished giggle and they all laughed.

"Maybe not that close but, close enough. And I figure one of you or Maggie will be next."

"Whoa, slow down there. Don't start making plans for my uterus, Beverly." Connie signed, then wiped faux sweat from her brow as they giggled.

But Sasha smiled, absentmindedly touching her own stomach. "A little ginger-haired baby could be cute." she sang before realization had her dropping her hand, but it was too late.

"Sasha? Are you?" Michonne asked with a warm, excited smile while they all gathered around.

"I-I don't know."

Connie closed the door then scrambled back over, allowing her cousin more privacy, even though everyone else was downstairs.

"Missed my period last month. I haven't even taken a test yet so I don't know for sure. Michonne, I promise I wasn't going to say anything since it's all about your baby right now." Sasha sighed, torn and a bit anxious.

"One of the best gifts, I never realized until I got older, was how special it's been growing up with my cousins so close. The connection we all have is beautiful and not everyone gets to experience it. It's something I would love for my kids to have also." Michonne's eyes welled matching her cousins.

"We all feel the same way." Sasha grinned.

"Aww, group hug." Nora initiated.

The women all moved in but Michonne's protruding belly kept them at a distance and they all chortled, trying to find a way to tighten the embrace without pressing into her midsection.

"I'm not sure this is gonna work. You might pop." Connie giggled.

"Well, bring it in because I'm so ready." Michonne grabbed her cousins, pulling them back in for an awkward yet loving hug.

"Bassinet's in your bedroom to start?" Jenny inquired.

"Yep, we won't want the baby so far away at first." Rick grinned with anticipation.

"It's smart. Jenny and I were going back and forth to the nursery until she sent me out for a bassinet on wheels." Morgan chuckled with his wife as the group fixed themselves plates from the trays on the dining room table, the space slightly cluttered against its usual tidy norm with all the new baby equipment around.

"Is this all formula?" Maggie remarked in surprise at the quantity.

Rick nodded. "Michonne's planning on breastfeeding but she got containers of powdered formula ready to go just in case."

"I know people say kids are expensive but wow." Glenn exclaimed making Rick and the Jones' chortle.

"Another reason we are so grateful for all the gifts you and everyone else purchased. One day, we'll pay it back." Rick assured them as Shane attempted to maneuver past him.

"How many places you gonna feed this kid in?" Shane muttered, gesturing to the high chair since he'd helped set up a different one, upstairs in the nursery.

"I'd imagine everywhere." Rick shoved his best friend, Shane nearly dropping his heaping plate.

"I remember when we talked about something other than babies."

"We've evolved." Morgan snickered and some took seats to eat while others stood.

"It would be kind of cool if we all raised our kids together." Glenn shrugged before taking a huge bite of food. Morgan and Rick caught the almost starry-eyed look on Shane's face before he grumbled digging into his plate.

"Well, I know one thing for damn sure. When it's my time ya'll ain't dressing me up like that." Daryl sucked his greasy finger before pressing it to one of the picture frames in a small collage hung on the wall.

"You've met our women's family. Do you think you have a choice?" Rick glared at his messy friend while using a napkin to remove the smudge from the glass.

"Yeah well, you looked ridiculous." Daryl snorted at the baby shower photo where Rick and Michonne were dressed in wrapping paper from the presents they had just opened. A paper plate was fashioned into a hat, covered in bows, and tied with a ribbon to sit on Rick's head.

"Besides, it was fun." Rick beamed at the not-so-distant memory.

"What was fun?" Michonne's watermelon-sized stomach appeared from around the corner before she did. Her family members followed her slowed steps into the dining room.

"Our surprise shower." Rick took her hand to assist her to the seat Ty quickly vacated for her.

"Oh, those are always good." Michonne winked so everyone playfully groaned.

Rick turned red. "I meant the baby shower."

"Oh, that too." Michonne smirked then exhaled deeply. A few people looked to her with concern, none more than her fiancé.

"You okay?" he crouched beside her.

Michonne smiled from his adoration, caressing his cheek. "Nothing a plate wouldn't help."

"Say less." Rick grinned, standing to work his way around getting all the fixings he knew his woman loved.

He watched her dig in and groan at each bite as though it was the best meal she'd ever eaten. From his seat next to her, she'd devotedly offer a forkful that he'd happily accept. Rick glanced around the crowded room at all the found family chatting animatedly. He reveled in the prospect of future, even more, jam-packed gatherings. This home would definitely be filled with all the love it deserved.

Abruptly, Abe blenched loudly so everyone side-eyed him then laughed because it was so in character. "Pardon the fuck outta me ya'll. I've eaten too well since I met up with you fine people. That's all on account of my baby here."

Sasha's eyes widened momentarily until he squeezed her to him. Michonne, Connie and Nora hid coy grins, watching their cousin finally relax, realizing he was referring to her and not her possible development. Sasha giggled, returning the hug from her hulk of a man.

"How'd you decide it was the right time to move in together?" Max wondered and Ty grinned happily, clearly showing it was something the two were considering for themselves.

"One day, she just invited me in and told me not to go the next morning." Abe smiled down at Sasha "It was a good thing my lease was month to month cause I sure as shit wasn't going back there."

"Huh, tell that to our backs when we helped you pack all that shit up for storage." Daryl barked while Rick and Tyreese groaned, remembering the pain of the following day.

"But we'd do it all again for whoever's next. That's what best friends do." Ty beamed, obviously hoping him and Max were next.

Shane stood with his arm draped around Nora's shoulders. "Speaking of best friends, let me ask you a question, Rick. My best friend from childhood..." Ty rolled his eyes and everyone looked on in amusement as Rick pinched the bridge of his nose.

"…who's going to be your best man?"

"At the wedding to my little cousin." Tyreese added so Shane scowled at him. Michonne tittered with a hand over her mouth before he continued.

"But that is a fair question." Ty pulled his eyes away from his rival to the man with the answer to this month's long debate.

"You sons of bitches ever considered I might be the best man?" Daryl slid in as a welcomed distraction.

"Or me?" Glenn added, and everyone snickered as Shane and Ty turned to glare at them with confused faces.

Michonne took Rick's clutched fist, slowly unraveling it so she could intertwine their fingers. She felt the comfort gradually take hold and he squeezed her hand appreciatively. A moment later, she applied pressure herself but Ty and Shane both bellowed.

"Rick settle this for once and for all!"

Michonne tightened her grip. "Rick."

"Wait a minute, little cousin we are waiting for your man to give us a straight answer."

The grip constricted while her face remained calm. Rick looked at their white-knuckled fingers then rapidly pivoted to her face.

"Tyreese, I would love to do that but I need to go to the hospital." Michonne serenely stated.

Rick stared in dumbstruck awe as Michonne deliberately nodded at him. An excited smile spread across their faces. He lifted her hand to his mouth, placing a tender kiss there.

"You ready?" Michonne asked while Rick's eyes welled up.

He was overwhelmed but he confirmed their next move. "We follow the plan."

"What's happening?" Everyone shouted with stunned faces.

"That baby's coming." Daryl answered before chaos erupted.

Michonne giggled as Rick helped her to stand. "I'll meet you at the front door."

Sasha and Connie came to take Michonne's arms, helping her walk. A small pool of water laid on the floor and her skirt was dampened in the back. "I have a dress in the hall closet and towel to sit on in the car."

Nora scurried to retrieve the items while they took Michonne to the home office to change with privacy. The thick burnt orange dress and towel were neatly folded on the shelf. She grabbed them and also her cousin's cream-colored, fluffy, and warm winter boots then ran to the first floor office.

Rick returned with the hospital and baby bags that had been packed for over a month now. Michonne had made revisions after the showers haul and added a few different sized clothing options for herself as well.

"We'll get all this food put away." Max offered and the group gathered around the table and in the kitchen to assist with wrapping the trays up. Jenny returned from the laundry room with a mop and bucket to dry up Michonne's waters.

Rick exhaled, trying to run through anything he may have forgotten. "The car seat!"

Morgan chuckled and walked over to his friend that was slowly growing frantic. "Don't you remember, we installed the car seats together a few weeks ago."

Rick rubbed his temple. "We did."

"Don't worry Rick. You are more than ready for this."

Shane joined them. "Brother, we will get everything squared away and we'll be right behind you."

"You don't have to."

"We want to." Glenn added, patting him on the back before turning him around. Michonne and her cousins emerged from the room and helped her into her wool coat.

"I'm ready." Michonne called out as she shuffled to the front door with Rick hot on her trail. The girls followed them to the car, laying the towel down so that Rick could help Michonne slide in. She rolled the window down as the father-to-be raced around to the driver side. Sasha, Connie and Nora all smiled brightly while they huddled for warmth.

"We'll lock up and meet you there soon!"

"Drive safely!"

"Thank you." they both shouted as the women ran back to the warm home.

Michonne turned back to see Rick had his hands tightly gripped on the steering wheel. She grinned when he faced her, knowing he was working through his excited and almost disbelieving thoughts. They'd both waited so long and the time was finally here to meet their child. She trusted him like no other, knowing he was the most fearless man she'd known, even surpassing her father. Her comforting hand reached over to be placed on top of his.

"You ready?"

He took a deep breath with his eyes closed. When he opened them, he nodded at a grinning Michonne who placed her hand back on her belly. He took one more glance, in the backseat. The infant car seat was ready to be filled.

"Yeah, yeah." he smiled and pulled off.

~~~ Hour Ten Continued

With every hour that transpired, in spite of the increasing pain, Michonne started to think this baby was never coming. Now, things were moving too swiftly with the arrival of the birthing team. The expecting couple met them on prior occasion but, noticed them and others in the ten hours, passing her room's windows. Nurse Denise Cloyd reintroduced the chipper faces as they entered and began to prep for the birth. It was all routine to them, shifting to complete all their assignments in what needed to be record time.

"Michonne, we are going to shift the bed into position."

"Okay." was all she managed as she watched Rick and Dr. Stevens being swept away.

She held the bed rails as the mattress adjusted like a transformer toy. With its new position, her upper body straightened, and a pillow was positioned to support her lower back. Two hair nets were used to contain her long locs. Everything near or attached to her was double-checked and moved into place. Everything was moving too fast.

"Rick… Rick…" Michonne's voice a mere whimper.

With her eyes closed, the sounds of the busy room faded, the beeping of machines paused, the buzzed conversation muted. She only heard one thing, the sound of his footfalls. Vibration increasing as he closed the short distance between them. Michonne was transported right back to their day one on Georgia Southern University's campus. His footsteps a cadence that she instantly recognized. A rhythm that grounded her in a confidence that she was always secure in his presence. She exhaled deeply, the nerves soothed with the warmth of his palm against her cheek. His forehead gently met hers.

"Chonne. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

A soft but lasting press of his lips came to meet hers. Her fingers instantly going to intertwine in his curls but some barrier prevented. Michonne gradually opened her eyes to see Rick had taken off his brown sweater to be draped in a blue hospital gown. His matching bonnet hid his curls and he grinned with gleaming eyes when hers met his. She snuck her fingers under, at the nape to toy with a group of wayward strands. Rick always found it amusing yet wondrous that such an ordinary contact could center them both. The unpredicted draw to caress him in even modest moments and its ability to remind him just how loved he truly was, no matter the situation.

Michonne released her hold and balled her hand into a fist. Rick swiftly grasped it, his eyes never leaving hers as she went through another contraction. The rise and fall of their chests syncing with each breath they took together. His lips pressed firmly against her knuckles, ushering the end of this cycle.

Denise pulled out the stirrups that swiveled from the end of the bedframe and Rick instantly helped the nurse place Michonne's legs in them. He took a glance down between her open legs and surprise covered his excited face.

"What do you see?" Michonne eagerly asked.

"I'm not really sure. Hair?"

Rick's face shined brightly with contagious enthusiasm that Michonne instantly caught. But his needed to be covered once a staff member handed him a mask. He quickly pecked his fiancée's lips then slipped it on. Dr. Stevens with her own mask on and her relaxed hair, also tucked away, rolled into place.

"You two work together so well and we are going to need that going forward. Michonne on the next contraction, I'm going to need you to bear down."

Michonne nodded as she panted, feeling the next one ready to hit. No sound came from her mouth but the determination was witnessed by all. Her hands on the guardrails and heels firmly planted in the stirrups allowed her to focus all her strength on the task at hand.

"Very good, Michonne." Dr. Stevens commended her and Rick snuck a peek once more.

"Oh, that's the head." his eyes twinkled with wonder at not just his impending child but his woman's work.

"It sure is." the doctor confirmed. "Next contraction, do that again Michonne."

And she did this for the next two rounds with one of each of her legs being supported by Rick and the lead nurse. But Michonne stopped shorter than she had on this last one with the odd sensation of her stretching. She was granting this being that she'd shared her body with for months a departure. Dr. Stevens glanced up, recognizing the tentative uncertainty.

"This is a different feeling and you just need a moment to adjust. Allow yourself that and be ready for it again."

The feeling of ten plus hours of labor was starting to tire Michonne out, right when she needed to prevail. Rick looked to her with optimistic concern when the room's door suddenly opened. In rushed Josephine, hustling while putting her protective gear on as she walked.

"Am I too late?"

"Mommy!" Michonne teared up with joy. "You made it!"

"I did! We did, your father is out there with everyone else." Rick smiled brightly under his mask but the delight reached his eyes so his future mother-in-law could see his shared relief.

Josephine slipped her mask on after her bonnet as she rounded the room. She paused for a second at the view inside her child's open legs. "Oh my lord, that's my grandbaby's head!"

The staff chuckled while she rushed to take Nurse Cloyd's placement before caressing her daughter's cheek. "My baby's having a baby." she smiled with eyes full of unshed tears.

"Mommy, I'm so tired." Michonne looked to Josephine while Rick dapped at the perspiration on her face.

"I know, baby. Give it sound Michonne." her mother guided her as the next wave arrived.

"Ahhhh!" she sounded with the next solid push.

"The head is out!" Dr. Stevens reported while she presumably busied herself clearing the child's face.

"The head is out? The head is out!" Rick gleefully recanted as he locked on Michonne's exultant yet relieved eyes.

"We will need probably two more just like that Michonne." the doctor assured.

But Michonne sat up straighter with her determination blazing. Rick smiled at her renewed confidence, he immediately knew what she required. He placed her heel back in the stirrup and took her hand wrapping it in his. Josephine followed suit placing her daughters foot in the contraption then took place behind her shoulder to provide support. Michonne removed her hand from the railing to grip on Rick's hold of her other hand. The couple's breaths still in sync so their chests rose and fell as one. Eyes locked in overwhelming encouragement that this was the time they had been longing for.

"You think we can?" Rick grinned.

"Oh, I know we can."

With a firm grasp, Michonne put all her power into bearing down. "Uhhhhh!"

"Ahhh!"

"Mhhhh!" she shouted until the improbably satisfying awareness of her cavity being emptied occurred.

"The baby's out!" Josephine elatedly yelled.

Michonne relaxed her back against the mattress. Rick released her hands with his stunned and watchful eyes on the swift progress achieved. Nurse and Doctor commenced with cleaning the airways.

'Nnnyaaa'

The gentle, undisciplined cry of the child echoed in the room from its removal. Dr. Stevens promptly moved the newborn to plop on the mother's chest as procedure prescribed. With eyes full of tears, Michonne looked upon the child's head full of dark curls, slick from fluids. Her hands grasping the baby in its erratic movements protectively, yet gently. She looked up to see Rick's tears were spilling, wetting his face mask so he needed to remove it. His palm joined hers with trepidation at the tenderness required.

The bundle wiggled, extending its limbs fully for the first time. Finally, its hand made contact with its mouth and promptly began to suck. Rick, Michonne and Josephine giggled at the hunger already exhibited.

"You can breast feed him."

"Him?" Rick and Michonne echoed with astonishment so the doctor chuckled.

"Yes, It's a boy."

Michonne slowly shifted her son to expose her breasts. She moved his mouth to her nipple, unsure of her actions. Josephine assisted while Rick kept his feisty son on his mother's chest. The boys mouth quickly latching on without issue, letting them know his instincts were present.

Michonne and Rick grinned in unbelieving wonder at what they had created from their love. Rick pressed his lips to her forehead in gratitude. "You did it."

"Time to cut the cord."

Nurse Cloyd announced once she got into position with the instruments. The new parents watched like hawks as the umbilical cord was clamped in two spots before the scissors were presented to Rick. He stood squarer with honor taking them. He followed directives and his calm hand pressed the blades together. His eyes on the baby, happy to see no hurt was inflicted.

"The team is going to take him for just a few minutes." Dr. Stevens reminded and Michonne looked reluctant to release the babe, triggering Rick to immediately block the way.

Josephine laughed at the pair. "Trust me, they will give him back."

But Rick didn't move until Michonne nodded her approval. The team took the baby to the nearby incubator, weighing and measuring him. They wiped him down a little too forcefully for Rick's liking and he started to step over but Michonne's hand on his arm steadied him.

"He's okay."

"I'm just gonna watch."

Michonne grinned before she tucked her exposed breast away. A plastic hospital bracelet was placed on their son's wrist, no doubt matching the number's on Michonne's for security. He was swaddled after being dressed in a diaper, shirt and socks. A hat was the final touch before he was handed over fully to an anxious Rick.

He beamed down at the bundle that yawned as though exhausted. He carefully strolled back to the bedside, not taking his eyes off the child as he stepped.

"Watermelon, you're here." he whispered and the baby's large brown eyes locked on him as though he recognized the voice. Rick was astounded, his blue eyes pooling again when he looked to Michonne.

"He has your pretty eyes." he leaned the baby towards her so she could see him again.

"Your nose and chin." she grinned.

"And did you see all that hair!" Josephine looked over her first grandchild's face.

"He's a bit pale now but he's gonna get some color. You can see it around the ears." she pointed out, making the couple snicker, not caring one way or the other.

"He's perfect."

"He is." Rick and Michonne gazed at one another.

"He has so many people ready to meet him." Josephine cooed.

Dr. Stevens interjected with a playful smirk. "I understand you have lots of family gathered in the waiting room."

"That's right. I should go tell them he's here." Rick wavered and Jo noticed his hesitancy.

"You should stay with your family. I can tell them, if that's alright."

"Thank you." Rick and Michonne smiled warmly.

Josephine kissed her daughter's head and started to conduct her task. But she paused to take in the scene of the new family she was lucky to witness form. She dabbed at her own eyes before she slipped out the door. Most of the birthing team left as well. But Dr. Stevens remained in place with Nurse Cloyd and two others.

"We will take baby boy to the nursery where everyone can safely view him shortly. But the afterbirth is next. It's a bit bloody and gory, Rick." the medical professional looked to him.

"I can handle that." he smirked.

Michonne giggled before the final part of her bringing a life to this new world began.

Only Morgan and Jenny had left, needing to tend to their son, Duane, but the family remained camped out in the waiting area. Napping on all the chairs when Josephine came to announce the baby had arrived. They all screamed and shouted their joy in celebration of the safe birth for mother and child alike. Not too much shortly after, Rick arrived from attentively overseeing his son's transfer to the nursery after Michonne assured him she was okay. He was surprised to see Kelly and Noah had come along with the aunts and uncle.

All at once they dogpiled him with hugs, kisses and hearty pats on the backs. His mother, Patricia was elated with so much joy that Rick and Shane had to hold her as she sobbed. The grandbaby she pined for from the moment she was introduced to Michonne was finally here. She was first to take off with the other elders not far behind. The hospital staff swiftly ushered them to the windows down the hall to see the baby in the nursery. Roger insisted on going to check on his baby girl first and his wife took him, saying they'd catch up with the others after. The nursing station was just happy to have the waiting room emptied of the large, expectant, and questioning family group.

Through the looking glass, everyone agreed on how perfectly blended the newborn was between both his parents. The aunties all talked about how his features would continue to come in as he grew. The guys all stood in awe while their girlfriends smirked, watching the many levels of unanticipated hope play out on their faces.

Rick listened to Shane explaining his excitement at becoming an uncle to an equally excited Tyreese. The birth of his first child had him in such a jolly mood that a rascally idea came to mind to rid him of the question these two had plagued him with for months.

"Shane. Tyreese…" the pair turned to face him with nervous smiles of anticipation. Rick could tell they assumed they were about to get their answer from the interrupted dining room conversation. They glanced at the other one like contestants in a beauty pageant waiting on the judge's decision.

"…this was a difficult decision. Especially since whoever isn't my best man will be the baby's godfather-"

"Really?" both men exclaimed before looking back at the baby resting comfortably in its clear plastic cradle.

Rick continued. "Yeah, it's only right. So I choose-"

"Wait!" both men shouted so everyone turned to shush them. "Sorry."

Shane stepped forward. "It would be an honor-"

"Yes, yes it would..." Ty stepped closer as well making Shane frown at him. Rick tried to keep his face neutral while the men had a staring match and seemed to come to some agreement.

"How about Shane and I talk it over like men, and we get back to you with our decision?"

The expectation shined in their eyes, making Rick's faux resolve even harder to maintain. He exhaled deeply after pinching the bridge of his nose to put on a show.

"I don't know. Tuxedo fitting will be coming up soon-"

"Brother, you've got a baby to worry about now. Let us take care of this for you." Shane gestured to Ty who nodded in agreement.

"You two sure?"

"Yeah." they affirmed.

"Well, alright. Just let me know. Soon."

Shane grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Let me get another look at my God-"

"Man, we haven't even talked about it yet." Ty exclaimed following him back to the picture window.

Rick smiled like the Cheshire cat then tried to wipe it away before he thought anyone noticed. But he saw Abe, Daryl, Glenn and Noah snickering at his crafty maneuver. He just shrugged before joining his family in viewing his new bundle of joy.

Ouu's and aww's filled the air before the family members went to visit Michonne. Prying themselves from the glass that separated them from the napping baby. The large family had taken turns coming in to follow hospital policy, once Michonne was moved to her permanent room. With each group that entered to congratulate her, eventually yawns overtook them so she chuckled. They'd each double-checked that she was okay before departing for shortened journeys.

The family members that had travelled from South Carolina were thankfully being put up for the night at one of the varying Georgia residences homes. Michonne's parents had the keys to hers and Rick's house since he had no intention of leaving his little family anytime soon.

"We should let you get some rest." Momma Patty sighed, knowing Shane and Nora waited outside to drive her, Beverly and Mary to her place.

Michonne's joyful spirit lifted her energy levels from a short while ago. "You all looked like you need it more than me."

"We do!" the new grandparents all agreed, chuckling while she smirked as her future mother-in-law hugged her.

"Baby girl, you sure you are okay?" Roger worried over his daughter and she smiled up at him.

"I am Daddy. Thank you for getting you and Mom here safely. It means the world to me." Michonne's eyes were glassy and her father dabbed at the corner of his before carefully embracing her.

He walked over to Rick who expected a firm pat on the back but was instead wrapped in a tight bear hug. "Take care of them."

"I will, Sir." Rick shook his hand to reconfirm his commitment while a pleased Patty watched.

Josephine fretted over Michonne before her daughter abruptly but predictably yawned. "I knew you were exhausted. Get some sleep." she smoothed the sheets over her only child who understood the motherly care even more now.

Meanwhile, Patty hugged Rick nearly as tightly as Roger had. "Your father would be so proud." she muttered before she fanned the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

She turned to Michonne "Honey, we will be back here tomorrow."

With one last squeeze of her son's arm, she started to walk towards the door. Josephine and Roger were right behind her.

"You know what, I almost forgot. Let me send these pictures." she pulled out her phone. "Nevermind, I'm gonna call Susie Neudermeyer right now."

Rick joined Michonne in laughter at his mother's sustained plans to rub her new grandbaby in her friend's face finally coming to fruition.

"And Roger, you can have one of your secret cigars to celebrate the birth of our grandson."

Josephine batted her eyelashes at her husband. He swallowed hard, now knowing that he hadn't gotten away with his little secret as well as he'd hoped. But his wife smiled sweetly and patted his arm. Roger turned back to the new parents after his wife and Patricia stepped out the doorframe.

"Well, I'm also gonna play the numbers."

"Seven pounds and six ounces. Twenty-one inches, right?"

The new parents snickered some more at their parent's antics. "Right, Pops."

Fatigue had taken Michonne shortly after their parents had left. When the nursery staff asked if they wanted to take care of the baby, she was in no shape to do so. But Rick of course stepped up, guaranteeing he could handle the job all alone. After all, he read more books than she had so she snickered sleepily and passed out.

Now, she awoke to the view of the night sky through the window of her dimly lit room. Still tired, but the sound of Rick's whispers garnered her attention. She looked for her two guys' location, spotting Rick with his arms full as he gazed down, enthralled with their baby. He sat on the small loveseat he'd shifted to be closer to her bed, with the incubator full of supplies on its lower levels within reach.

"Daddy wants to thank you for the distraction with your uncle Shane and cousin Ty."

Michonne drowsily giggled, unintentionally letting him know she was awake.

"Mama's awake."

Rick cautiously stood, coming closer so she could also gaze at their child who shuffled slightly from the movement. His parents smiled once he settled and Rick continued speaking to him.

"And thank you for the revamp." Rick grinned at Michonne with reverence. "Just like your mother already, helping me make better, smarter decisions." the couple chuckled.

"It went well?" Michonne asked as she gently caressed the baby's pillow-soft cheeks as he twitched at the new sensation of being touched.

"All the work is on them now, I just have to sit back and wait for their decision."

"And the baby…helped you with that?"

"Yep."

Rick chuckled as he smiled down at the tiny bundle in his protective arms.

"What?" Michonne wanted in on the joke.

"It's nothing. It'll just be a little weird calling him by my name."

Michonne snickered in agreement. "I'm so used to calling him by the name of a fruit or vegetable. Or just Peanut."

"Right." they giggled.

"How about we call him something else to differentiate between you two?"

Michonne suggested. "RJ?"

"RJ. RJ." Rick tested it out while the baby cooed at the sound of their voices.

"I think he agrees." Rick smiled brightly at Michonne.

"RJ it is."

~~***The Professors will return in The Spot***~~